TAYLORCRAFT PRE-PURCHASE CHECK LIST

Date:___________________________ Aircraft N:___________________________

	Pass/Fail or Condition	Notes and Comments
1. Paperwork. Check to see if the following are in order:
Required papers: Valid airworthiness certificate, current registration, operation limitations and placards, weight and balance with current equipment list (check to see when the aircraft was last actually weighed, not just on paper).	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Engine and Airframe logbooks: Check for complete maintenance history, Airworthiness Directive and Service Bulletin compliance and also entries that suggest repairs due to an accident or incident (damage is OK if properly repaired).	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Title search: Insist on one to ensure there are no liens against the owner that may affect financing or your ability to sell the aircraft.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
2. Engine
Overall: Is engine clean and dry? Be wary of a spotless engine compartment that may have been treated to a “spray paint” overhaul. Check the source of fluid leaks.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Baffles: Eroded, misshapen baffles may be a sign of improper engine cooling over an extended period.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Induction/exhaust systems: Check for corrosion, leaks, worn gaskets, and loose connectors	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Cylinders: Compression check	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Battery: Condition (if installed)	Pass Œ Fail Œ
3. Empennage
Horizontal and vertical stabilizer attach points: Check for play and any loose fasteners	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Elevator/stabilator attach hinges: Examine for excessive play in worn hinges. Replacement can be very expensive.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Rudder trailing edge: Look for dings (minor dents) that would indicate hangar rash and potential control problems.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
4. Wings and ailerons
Overall: Look for wrinkles, warps, and chafing. Pay particular attention to clean, freshly painted, or waxed aircraft. It may be more difficult to spot problem areas.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Leading/trailing edges: Look for dings that may have to be repaired on leading edges of wings and the trailing edges of ailerons.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Struts: Check struts and steps for dents and corrosion. (Struts are NOT steps - they are just used that way by stupid people. Check strut for hidden repairs. Big ugly splices can be OK. I once found a trust that had been butt welded with a carved 2x4 in it and Bondo on the weld!).	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Fuel caps and drains: Look for fuel stains around the wing roots and trailing edges. This may indicate a wing tank leak.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Structure: Lift up and down on the wing tips while twisting and listen for possible internal damage. Use Caution! Move gently around and listen and feel.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
5. Fuselage
Doors, hinges, and latches: Are all hinges in place and free of rust or corrosion? Do doors close easily and with a tight seal?	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Skin: Look for wrinkles or loose fabric. Some “oil canning” and dents in the cowl and boot are acceptable.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Belly: Look for scrapes, dents, tears, and patches. Check closely around the bottom of the lower longerons in the bay in front of the tail post.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Antennas: Are they properly located for best reception and transmission? Have all the antennas been properly mounted?	Pass Œ Fail Œ
6. Landing gear
Struts: Check for damage, repairs, corrosion (especially tube from center line to wheel) and integrity of hardware.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Brakes: Check condition. Don’t forget to test the brakes to see if they hold on both sides.	Pass Œ Fail Œ
Tires: Are the sidewalls dry or cracked?	Pass Œ Fail Œ
7. Cabin or cockpit
Overall: Seats, backs, seat belts, and shoulder harnesses (if installed) should be checked for wear and proper attachment.	Pass Œ Fail Œ